Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne's final rites to be conducted with state honours

COLOMBO (News1st); The remains of the late Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the Founder of the Sarvodaya movement, will be placed at the Sarvodaya headquarters in Moratuwa from 5pm on Wednesday (17) for the public to pay their respects.

The final rites of the late Dr. Ariyaratne will be conducted on Saturday (20) evening in Colombo, with state honors.

Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne passed away on Tuesday (16) evening at a private hospital in Colombo, aged 92 years.

Born in Unawatuna Galle on the 5th of November, 1931, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne began his education at the Mahinda Vidyalaya in Galle. 

He is also a past pupil of Vidyodaya Pirivena.

He laid a strong foundation and built the Sarvodaya Foundation in 1958, which has today transformed into Sri Lanka’s most broadly embedded community-based development organization. 

The yeoman service performed by Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne for the welfare of the general public has been recognized both here in Sri Lanka and across the world. 

In 2007 Dr. Ariyaratne was confered with the title Sri Lankabhimanya, the highest National Honour in Sri Lanka.